Matt Hampson is now known all over the country as the inspirational figure who has given hope to so many people going through a tough period in their lives. The
guy who got injured, but wouldn’t take it lying down. How did he become this iconic figure?

Matt attended King Edward 7th school in Melton Mowbray and excelled in PE and, in particular, rugby. Enjoying the sport so much, he joined Syston Rugby club and was part of the team that achieved, winning the national Sanyo Cup tournament at Twickenham and recording a 5 season championship winning streak. Leicester Tigers Academy soon took note of Matt and he was selected to join them at the Under 16 level. He then went to Queen Elizabeth College in Leicester, where he balanced his college work with training full time with the academy and quickly established himself as a prop forward who was capable of holding his own in 1st team training - with the likes of British Lion Graham Rowntree, World Cup winner Julian White and England prop Darren Garforth at the club, this was no mean feat.

Off the pitch, Hambo liked nothing more than relaxing with his mates, whether at the cinema or out on a Saturday night with the boys. Some things never change!

Matt was progressing nicely through the junior England levels, notching up England U18 schools and England U19 caps. As the England U21 management were to announce the squad, it was almost inevitable that he would make the grade. Make the grade he did, and his performance impressed coaches Nigel Redman and Jim Mallinder, which led to him being the number one prop in the team.

Then came the moment that changed his life. “Matt remembers the call and he remembers the shove and he remembers the scrum collapsing, just as it had many times before. He remembers going down and his feet being lifted off the ground and feeling suddenly unable to breathe, as his team-mates piled on top of him.” (The Times March 12th 2006).

Matt suffered a dislocation in his neck which had trapped his spinal cord. It has left him paralyzed from the neck down and more determined than ever from the neck up. It is Matt’s spirit and bravery that has earned him such recognition and has pulled together the rugby world who want to take care of one of their own.

He was looked after by the wonderful team at Stoke Mandeville hospital who, after 18 months of care, ensured he was well enough to return home. Matt has met some inspiring individuals on his journey back to normality, such as Paul Tiano and Jonah Lomu. He eturned home in June 2006 and is currently enjoying life in his renovated barn. Some of the monies raised from this very website have gone into helping with the conversion, so to all of you who have chosen to support Matt so far - a very BIG thank you.

Matt is currently taking on different roles as he tries to regain his independence. He is now writing a rugby column for the Leicester Mercury’s Sporting Green, helps out with coaching at Oakham School, is Patron of a new charity SpecialEffect and continues to contribute both financially and verbally to help spinal research.

Without question, Matt is an incredible young man.He is an Inspiration and motivation to everyone who knows his story. It seems like nothing is too big a challenge for Hambo and with his determination - and a little luck - the world really is still very much at his feet.

Reproduced from http://www.matthampson.co.uk
______________________________________________________

Fund-raising for Matt

March 12, 2009

Johno, Healey and Back in soccer action for Matt

ENGLAND Team Manager Martin Johnson will don his boots in aid of Matt next month.

‘Johno’ will be joined by Austin Healey and Neil Back in a combined Leicester City Football Club and Leicester Tigers Legends XI side playing a Quorn Royals XI – a repeat of last year’s fixture which the Legends won 3-1.

Starring alongside them at Quorn Football Club, Farley Way, Quorn will be ex-Leicester City players Steve Walsh, Gerry Taggart, Muzzy Izzett and Matt Elliott.

The Matt Hampson Trust and Loros are this year's beneficiaries in what is expected to be a very close game and likely to raise in excess of £6,000.

Gates are open from 12noon, kick-off is 1pm and admission is £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions (OAP’s and under 16s), with under 5s free. Refreshments and bar will be available.

For further information call The Apple Tree in Quorn on 01509 412296.
---------------------------------------------

July 18 2008

Leicester Tigers pad up for Hambo

Sam Vesty will this summer lead out a full strength Leicester Tigers XI in their annual 20/20 cricket match to raise funds for local charities on July 25.

This is the 5th year the cricket match has been played at Rothley Park and is against a Matt Hampson Trust XI captained by ex-Tigers player Austin Healey.

Healey is determined to win this year after last year's defeat, saying: "We have already obtained the services of big hitters Martin Johnson and Gerry Taggart and intend to call up a selection of well known professional cricketers from around the Midlands to add weight to the side."

The event, - postponed from last Friday - and again subject to the weather, will be at the Rothley Park Cricket Club in Westfield Lane, Rothley. Gates open at 12.30pm with a 2.00pm start.

Admission is £5 (children under 13 free) with pay on the day, free car parking, a bouncy castle, a barbecue and bar.

Proceeds this year will be shared between the Matt Hampson Trust and the development of junior cricket at Rothley Park Cricket Club. For up-to-date information please visit www.rothleyparkcc.co.uk
---------------------------------------------

April 7 2008 

Johnson and Healey turn out for Hambo

The Matt Hampson Trust annd the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance will benefit from the proceeds of a charity football match featuring ex-Tigers Martin Johnson and Austin Healey.

A Leicester Legends XI will take on a Quorn Royals XI on Sunday, April 20 at Quorn Football Club, Farley Way, Leicestershire, with the game overseen by ex-Leicester City hero Alan Birchenall.

Local sporting heroes set to play also include Gerry Taggart, Steve Walsh and Matt Elliott.

Kick off is at 1pm and gates are open from 12pm.

Admission is £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.

For further information call The Apple Tree in Quorn on 01509 412296.

-------------------------------------------------------------

December 13 2007

Sharks sport Mo for Hambo

The Sale Sharks Supporters Club will be providing false moustaches at their game against Leicester Tigers at Edgeley Park on Sunday December 23.

With the help of the Leicester Tigers Supporters Club the aim is to have as many people as possible sporting a Mo for Hambo live on Sky television.

Fans can make a £5 donation on line now at www.salesupporters.co.uk and collect a moustache from the Supporters Club table on the day (bring paypal receipt) or donate on the day.

There will also be face painter in the marquee in the main car park for two hours before the event to paint on moustaches.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Who has the best Guinness 'tache?

On Tuesday, 27th November, The GUINNESS® Team is holding a competition, at The Varsity on London Road, to find the best GUINNESS 'tache among the Leicester Tigers players who are taking part in the 'Grow a Mo for Hambo' challenge.

Prior to going under the razor, Leicester Tigers' players including Martin Castrogiovanni, Geordan Murphy, Ben Kay and Jordan Crane will each drink a half-pint of the black stuff and face a panel of judges who will decide who has the largest volume of creamy head in their 'tache. As a thank you to the players who are competing and attending, GUINNESS will make a charitable donation to the Matt Hampson Trust.

The Leicester Tigers players have been growing their facial hair enthusiastically throughout November in order to raise money and increase public awareness for the Matt Hampson Trust.
______________________________________________________

Hambo calendar on sale

Matt Hampson's new Tigers calendar makes the perfect Christmas gift.

The official Matt Hampson 2008 calendar is now available from www.matthampson.co.uk

This is the first Matt Hampson calendar and it features many Tigers first-team squad members, as well as a guest appearance from the head coach.

The calendar costs just £12, or £47 for a fully-signed copy. Both would make fantastic Christmas presents, so pick up your copy today.

Check out Matt's official website for other memorabilia, including the new Matt Hampson rugby ball from Gilbert which will be available soon.

There's also a fantastic range of Matt Hampson Nike products, including great-value hooded tops.
________________________________________________
November 1, 2007

Tigers stars 'Grow a Mo for Hambo'

A number of Leicester Tigers players are sporting beards and moustaches of various descriptions, with their efforts ranging from straightforward ‘taches and goatees to extravagant handlebars and mutton chops.

The reason for the display is simple – to raise funds and awareness for the Matt Hampson Trust and spinal research.

“It’s a great cause,” says Tigers full-back Geordan Murphy. “All the lads are keen to get involved so the look will hopefully last for the full month. Matt’s a fantastic individual and everyone here at Tigers wants to do whatever we can to help.”

Players and staff at the club intend to spend the month of November showing off their facial efforts, bringing publicity to Matt’s trust as a result. 'Grow a Mo for Hambo’ is also reaching far wider than Leicester Tigers, with as many Guinness Premiership players as possible being encouraged to participate.

To make things as simple as possible, the concept will be self-sponsored and a minimum donation of £5 will be made to the Matt Hampson Trust. That doesn’t mean you can’t collect money from friends for your efforts – it just means you don’t have to in order take part. All you need to do is visit the www.matthampson.co.uk and follow the link. You will not be required to fill in personal information or add contact details unless you wish to do so.
________________________________________________

August 5 2007

Tigers take spoils at the crease

Leicester Tigers showed they are no mugs on the cricket pitch when they beat an All Stars team in the guise of Leicestershire CCC at Rothley Park.

And the stars of the show were fly-half Andy Goode and centre Matt Cornwell. Goode scored 70 and Cornwell made an unbeaten 44 as Tigers reached 217-9 in reply to the All Stars' 214-9.

They both took a wicket, too, with Goode bagging the prized scalp of his friend Darren Maddy, caught and bowled for 12.

The All Stars top scorers were wicket-keeper Paul Nixon (40) and Nick Walker (31).

It was all played with a smile, of course, as the sports stars raised a "substantial" amount of cash for the Matt Hampson Trust and development of junior cricket at Rothley.

"It was a wicked day," said Cornwell. "I scored 44 and hit the winning runs. "The last time I played was four years ago for Oakham School's second team.

"But it was a great fun day and, when all the money comes in, we shall have raised a substantial amount."

Match organiser Jeremy Simpson, a former chairman at Rothley, said: "I reckon there were about 2,000 people there and Freddie Tuilagi led out the Tigers dressed in body paint and a loincloth to perform the Samoan war dance with the All Stars facing them for the challenge.

"A Ska-reggae band played and we had barbecues, bars and a bouncy castle. Tigers had Stuart Broad to play for them but we, in return, had Jerome Taylor.

"Hambo (Hampson) was overawed by the number of people who were there. It was great."
________________________________________________

August 3 2007

Leicester Tigers side led by Andy Goode will be facing up to a star-studded XI which includes four England internationals in this Sunday’s charity cricket match in aid of the Matt Hampson Trust.

Stuart Broad, Paul Nixon, Jeremy Snape and Darren Maddy will all be looking to get one over an enthusiastic Tigers team at Rothley Park Cricket Club on August 5, kick-off 2pm.   

The likes of Sam Vesty, Ollie Smith, Louis and Brett Deacon, Matt Cornwell, Luke Abraham, Richard Blaze and Jordan Crane are all set to make an appearance for Tigers.

Goode, a former captain of Warwickshire Schools, insists the Guinness Premiership Champions are looking forward to a different challenge, even if their tactics may need to stray a little from the straight and narrow.

“The boys love playing cricket,” says the Leicester fly-half. “It’s something different to rugby. There’s a lot of Leicestershire guys playing against us so hopefully it’ll be a good fun day out and a good opportunity to raise as much money as possible for Matt Hampson.

“Guys like myself and Sam Vesty used to play a fair bit and there’s a few aspiring cricketers who perhaps think they’re a bit better than they are. We’ll be running out with 20-odd fielders so we’ll be cheating a little bit but we’re playing against professional county cricketers so I think that’s fair! It’ll be a tough day but an enjoyable one and I’m sure we’ll perhaps even be rugby tackling the guys when they’re running between the wicket just to get them out someway or another! Rugby players don’t like to lose at anything and cricket’s no different.”

Tigers team-mate Cornwell, who describes his own cricketing abilities as “limited to non-existent”, is equally enthused about the event, even if his own skills may mean he’s in for a tough day at the office.

“I can’t wait for it,” says the Tigers centre. “A lot of the guys are looking forward to it. The original match was postponed a few weeks back so we’ve been able to get a little more practice in. We’re probably still in for a stuffing but the guys are looking forward to it and it’s all for a good cause so I’m sure it’s going to be a great day. "

As well as the cricket, there will be entertainment from ska-reggae band Ska-Amanga, plus BBQ, bars, a bouncy castle and a possible pre-match haka from Freddie Tuilagi. Proceeds from the game will be split between the Matt Hampson Trust and Rothley Park’s junior cricket development.

Admission is just £3 for adults and £1 for children, with free parking.

For more information, keep your eye on http://www.leicestertigers.com/  http://www.matthampson.co.uk/  and http://www.rothleyparkcc.co.uk/
_____________________________________________________

July 18 2007

Double feat set to boost Matt's funds

Gary Toward, headmaster of South Wigston High School in Leicester, is the latest in a long line of rugby supporters to attempt something extraordinary in aid of the Matt Hampson Trust.

Despite having a fear of heights, Gary is currently training to climb the world-famous Mont Blanc in the French Alps. He’s already been training hard conquering British climbs as he prepares for his assault on the French giant.

If you’d like to sponsor Gary, you can do so by emailing garytoward@sky.com, or by sending a cheque made out G Toward to Leicester Tigers Football Club Plc, Aylestone Road, Leicester, LE2 7TR.

Not content with his physical efforts, Gary also intends to raise money via his literary talents. The former Milton Keynes centre has written a thriller based on his experiences of working in schools and has promised to donate the first six months of the proceeds from his new novel to Matt’s trust. To purchase your copy of '1 4 Sorrow', click here
______________________________________________________

June 28 2007

New date for cricket match

A star-studded fund-raising cricket match at Rothley Park CC, in aid of the Matt Hampson Trust, has been re-arranged for Sunday, August 5 following an adverse weather forecast for this weekend.

The match was to have been played this Sunday, but organisers are hoping the postponement will allow a bumper crowd to enjoy the prospect of better weather later in the summer.

The match will feature a Leicester Tigers XI led by fly-half Andy Goode against a Sporting All Stars side featuring players from the world of cricket and football, including former Leicester City captain Matt Elliott.

Goode, a batsman good enough to captain Warwickshire Schools before concentrating on his rugby, said: “The Tigers guys are looking forward to it, though we might have to sneak a few extra fielders on! It should be a fun day for everyone, Rothley Park is a nice venue and we hope to raise a lot of money for Matt.”

As well as the cricket, there will be entertainment from ska-reggae band Ska-Amanga, plus barbeques, bars and a bouncy castle. Proceeds from the game will be split between the Matt Hampson Trust and Rothley Park’s junior cricket development.

For more information, keep your eye on http://www.leicestertigers.com/  http://www.matthampson.co.uk/  and http://www.rothleyparkcc.co.uk/

 ______________________________________________________

Your chance to take on Tigers 

June 22 2007

Have you ever fancied lining up against your heroes, the players you watch week in week out at Welford Road?

If so, then July 1 is the perfect chance for you to do just that.

Thanks to the Matt Hampson Trust, you have the opportunity to pit your wits against some of the stars of this season’s double-winning side, and all in aid of a great cause.

The new season may not yet be upon us, but that hasn’t stopped the Tigers squad from getting their sporting fix as they’ve agreed to take part in a charity cricket match against a Sporting All Stars XI at Rothley Park next month.

Andy Goode will captain the Tigers side, with Leicestershire and England fast bowler Stuart Broad booked to make a guest appearance and the All Stars set to include the likes of Paul Nixon, Muzzy Izzet and Darren Maddy. 

Here’s where you come in… the Matt Hampson Trust is currently running an auction allowing you to bid for a place on the All Stars team, meaning you could be getting rid of Goode’s off stump or hitting Broad for six, with Matt the ultimate beneficiary. For details of the auction click here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK:MESE:IT&viewitem=&item=160128818781&rd=1&rd=1

As well as the 20:20 match, there will be entertainment from well-known local Ska-Reggae band Ska-Amanga and plenty of fun for all the family courtesy of BBQ's, bars and a bouncy castle for the kids.

The match starts at 2pm, with admission just £3 for adults and £1 for children. Free parking is also available.

For more information on player involvement and final details, keep your eye on http://www.leicestertigers.com/  http://www.matthampson.co.uk/  and http://www.rothleyparkcc.co.uk/
________________________________________________________

May 26 2007

Students raise £10,000 for Matt Hampson Trust

Rugby players at the University of Leicester Students’ Union have proved they don’t just have big muscles- they have big hearts too, by raising more than  £10,000 for the Matt Hampson Trust.

The Leicester students began their fund-raising last November after Tommy Cawston, a member of the Matt Hampson Trust, ran coaching sessions at the University.

The University players responded by organising a bucket collection at the South Africa v World XV match at Leicester's Walkers Stadium in December, then donating the proceeds of the Leicester Varsity Match, against local rivals De Montfort University, at Welford Road in March to the Matt Hampson Trust.

Further fund-raising was organised at the Heineken Cup semi-final in Easter, with the final total "surpassing all expectations" according to captain Matt Bates.

The Matt Hampson Trust was set up two years ago after the Leicester Tigers and England Under-21 prop sustained a serious neck injury in training.

"The trust has many members and endorsements, with messages from people such as Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson appearing on the website," Bates said.

“Inspired to act, the Students’ Union rugby team managed to organise a bucket shake before the South Africa vs. World X game, raising around two thousand pounds for the foundation – a highly impressive sum!

“But we didn’t stop there – in the lead up to the Varsity match we had another fundraiser at Welford Road, and this time almost tripled our total by raising an extra £4000 pounds. We also helped raise publicity by buying and wearing Matt Hampson merchandise during the game on March 9.

“The fundraisers have gone from strength to strength – pulling in over £6000 more at the Heineken Cup Semi and Final over Easter – and we are already planning more next season.”
________________________________________________________

May 5 2007

Former Tiger slimming for Matt

A former Leicester Tigers star is aiming to get fighting fit in aid of the Matt Hampson Trust.

Wayne Richardson made more than 200 appearances for Tigers between 1981 and 1993. In his playing days, the prop weighed in at 17st 5lb but after retiring his weight rose to 22st 1lb.

"My weight ballooned during Christmas and I felt I needed to do something about it," said Wayne. "To help me stay motivated and to set a target, I decided to help Matt Hampson.

"During my playing days, we used to train every day so you could eat a lot but still burn off most of the calories. After I stopped playing, I became much less active but continued to eat as I used to."

Wayne  is being sponsored to lose four stone and has set the date of July 1 to reach his target.

His new daily regime involves an hour a day of intense work on a rowing machine and exercise bike and he has cut out bread, alcohol and foods high in sugar. These have been replaced by chicken, salads and lots of fruit and vegetables.

"I started dieting in January and have already lost two-and-a-half stone and raised £500," said Wayne. "I've set myself the target of £1,000."

To donate cash or to sponsor Wayne, contact him via e-mail at wpricho6@ntlworld.com

For more information on the Matt Hampson Trust, check out http://www.matthampson.co.uk/

________________________________________________________

April 5 2007

Leonard turns out for MP's Matt Hampson match

Andy Reed, the Labour MP for Loughborough, will be using his President's Day at Leicester club Birstall this year to raise money for the Matt Hampson Trust.

Reed, a former Westleigh and Chester player who now plays regularly for the Parliamentary Lions, is a ssembling a star-studded team from the world of rugby and politics to play against Birstall at their Stonehill School ground on Sunday May 6 (10am to 5pm).

Reed will be joined in the President's XV by World Cup winning prop Jason Leonard, England's most-capped international, and Paul Farrely, the Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Lions rugby team.

His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett, the RFU's disciplinary officer, has also been included in Reed's provisional side.

"Of course I hope to repeat the success of last year when Alan Buzza stole the show in the centre with a couple of tries and the man of the match award," Reed said. "I try to pick a team to play running rugby. This year is no exception - except we are all a year older and can't really run very far or very fast anymore.

"Last year saw my team return to winning ways after letting Birstall sneak a rare win in the previous encounter."

All proceeds from the match and Andy Reed's President's Day will go to the Matt Hampson Trust which has been set up to help the remarkable Leicester Tigers and England Under-21 prop who suffered a serious injury in training two years ago.

The day will begin with a car boot sale and will include a training camp for Under-11s run by Leicester Tigers, a veterans' match at 12 noon and the President's Match at 2.30pm.

_________________________________________________________________

February 19 2007

Hebridean Challenge raises mountain of cash

The exploits of the 10 intrepid members of the Rugby Football Union who last summer completed the gruelling five day Hebridean Challenge in Scotland were rewarded last week when a cheque for half of the £62,000 raised by their efforts was presented to Matt Hampson, the England U21 prop who was seriously injured in training last year.

The decision to give half of the funds to Matt was made by the teams themselves.  “Matt inspired us to do the event so it is appropriate that a significant amount goes to his trust fund,” said Nigel Redman, the Bath-based England and British Lions lock and former England U21 coach, who was one of those to take part in the five-day, 500 mile extreme adventure race across the Outer Hebrides.  The remaining £31,038 will go into an RFU fund to help other seriously injured players across all levels of the game.

Fellow competitor and former England full-back Jon Callard said: “The challenge was a truly rewarding experience and some of the memories will last a lifetime.  I hope that our marathon efforts will help to make a difference to those whose lives can be a constant challenge.”

The event, considered by experienced adventure racers to be one of the toughest tests of mind and body, saw the teams cover the 500-mile land and sea course, running or cycling over the harsh and mountainous terrain or kayaking and swimming through the Atlantic waves. The RFU teams navigated their way around the five-day course completing the challenge in 92 hours.

RFU Elite Rugby General Manager Nathan Martin who, as well as taking part, organised the teams’ fund raising exploits, said: “Matt has been a huge inspiration to everyone and hopefully by participating in the Hebridean Challenge we will be able, in some small way, to help him and other players catastrophically injured players with the everyday challenges they face.

“I have been immensely impressed with the dedication and commitment shown by all those who volunteered to participate.  Everyone involved gave 100% throughout the week which was physically and mentally exhausting and I am extremely proud of what these 10 people have achieved.  The effort and commitment shown by all was quite exceptional.” 

“We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to our key sponsors Nike, O2, FXMS Logistics, Picture Financial, Evans Cycles, Surf Lines and Ford who have each made considerable donations to such a worthwhile cause.  Without their support there would have been no point in undertaking this quite extraordinary challenge and we have been delighted with their generosity.

Martyn Thomas, Chairman of the RFU’s Management Board added: “Whilst the teams quite rightly state that Matt is an inspiration to us all, I feel it appropriate to say that the dedication and commitment of the teams in raising such a substantial sum of money for injured rugby players is also an inspiration to us all.”

The 10 RFU staff to take part were; Nigel Redman, National Academy and former England U21s coach; Jon Callard, National academy coach; Mike Snelling,  England Sevens physio and fitness adviser; Rob Drinkwater, London North regional manager Nathan Martin, general manager elite rugby; Peter Drewett, Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby and former England U21 manager; Will Beeley, England Saxons and former England U21 logistics co-ordinator; Nicki Drinkwater, England Saxons and former England U21s media manager; Tom Hill, sales and marketing manager and Dave Tennison, Elite Rugby’s equipment co-ordinator. 
_______________________________________________________________

December 21 2006

Sportsbeat images to support Matt Hampson Trust Fund

Sportsbeat Images, the UK’s fastest growing sports picture agency, has donated the use of its imaging to enhance the Trust’s new website www.matthampson.co.uk  as well as helping to raise much needed funds through the sale of memorabilia.

In addition to the images on its website, Sportsbeat has given permission for unlimited use of its photographs for signing by players. The sale of signed 16’’ x 20’’ photographs forms a key part of the Trust’s plans for its Rugby World Cup 2007 Memorabilia Campaign which will get underway shortly.

The Matt Hampson Trust was established in the wake of Matt’s tragic accident two years ago to raise the funds required to help support him on the long road back to normality. 

Sportsbeat’s Managing Director, Richard Lane, said: "Having spent three months in a spinal injury unit following a rugby accident, I know Matt’s unquenchable spirit and bravery are an inspiration to all of us and I’m delighted that we have been able to make a small contribution to such a worthwhile cause’."

Speaking on behalf of Legends International, Matt Cornwell – England, Leicester Tigers and England U21 Grand Slam winning captain - said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to Sportsbeat Images from everyone involved in the Matt Hampson Trust. It’s a great gesture on their behalf and one which we hope will enable the trust to raise much-needed funds for Matt’s on-going care and rehabilitation. We’re all looking forward to working closely with Sportsbeat and we’d urge the general public to show their support by visiting www.matthampson.co.uk to see how they can help.” 

Sportsbeat Images is one of the UK’s leading sports picture agencies and its website, www.sportsbeatimages.com, contains some of the best imaging available from a variety of sports including football, rugby union, rugby league, cricket and athletics.

________________________________________________________

October 30 2006

Gigging again for Matt

Tigers players’ band ‘Slo Progress’ and local pop/rock band, ‘Brave’ are sharing the stage next month with a second Matt Hampson Trust Fund benefit gig.

Promoter, Paul Gosling said: “We met up with Sam Vesty and the lads in the band at Matt’s homecoming party earlier this year and have been able to organise a joint gig to raise money for the trust fund.

“We held a successful first concert in August that raised £500 on the night. I’m sure that together with ‘Slo Progress‘, Tigers supporters will help us do even better this time around.”

There will also be a charity auction where supporters can bid for both Tigers and musical memorabilia.

The gig will be on Tuesday 28th November at the Half-Time Orange on Burnmoor Street, Leicester. Doors open at 7.45pm. Ticket prices are £6 for adults, £3 for under-16’s. All proceeds go directly to the MHTF to enable Matt’s ongoing care and rehabilitation.

More information: www.matthampson.co.uk www.braveband.com www.venueorange.co.uk

________________________________________________________

July 25 2006

Local bands play benefit gig for Matt Hampson Trust Fund